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What are the Different Types of Hardwood Floor?

Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes

There are different ways to categorize hardwood flooring, including by the type of wood, the form of the material, and the way the wood is laid out. Considering what kind of traffic and wear the floor will receive is key in deciding what type of flooring a person should use.

In terms of the material used, there are many hard woods that are used for flooring. Perhaps the most common include maple, oak, and walnut, although exotic woods like teak can also be used. A hardwood floor can also be made out of pine, although it is technically a soft wood.

Laminate flooring gives the appearance of hardwood without the high cost.
Laminate flooring gives the appearance of hardwood without the high cost.

In addition to the type of wood, hardwood flooring also varies in the form of the wood. It can be solid wood, engineered wood, or acrylic impregnated wood. Solid hardwood is just that — solid. Engineered hardwood takes thinner pieces of wood and layers them on top of each other, alternating the grain of the layers in different directions. This cris-cross effect makes this type of floor able to withstand more weight and force. Acrylic impregnated hardwood is made of a combination of solid wood and acrylic to create a stronger material that can withstand heavy traffic.

Robotic floor cleaners can be used on hardwood floors.
Robotic floor cleaners can be used on hardwood floors.

Another way to categorize hardwood floors is the size of the material and the way it is laid out. Wood can be measured in strips, which are long pieces of wood that can vary in width from 1.5 inches to 2.25 inches (about 3.8 to 5.7 centimeters) in width. Planks are another style and are also long pieces of wood, but they are wider than strips — at least 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) wide. Parquet flooring is a little more intricate, using pieces of wood and configuring them in a geometric pattern. A parquet floor often takes the form of small strips of wood that produce small squares in alternating directions, but it can also have a zig-zag look or other design.

Installation methods are another way to differentiate types of hardwood floor. Many types of flooring — including engineered products &mash; are affixed to the flooring beneath it, by nails, glue, or staples.

A house with hardwood flooring.
A house with hardwood flooring.

Another type is known as a floating floor because isn't attached to the subfloor. A foam underlay is laid on top of the subfloor to absorb sound and protect against moisture, and the pieces of hardwood are then laid on top of that. The material isn't attached to the floor, however; instead, the pieces are glued or snapped together in a tongue and groove fashion and the entire floor simply "floats" above the subfloor. Floating hardwood floors are often preferred because they are easy to install and generally can be put in over nearly any surface.

Installing hardwood floors may help add value to a home.
Installing hardwood floors may help add value to a home.

How the hardwood is treated is another consideration. Wood can be stained to give it a dark or light appearance. Alternate treatments are also available such as crackling, whitewashing, or antiquing. Some hardwoods are simply left natural or untreated.

Types of hardwood floor can vary in the finishing, or top coat, of the material, although some are left unfinished. Finished floors can use a top coat that simply lies on the surface or penetrates deeper into the wood. Surface finishes include urethanes and varnishes, and the differences between these types of finishes involve considerations of drying time, ease in application, odor, and durability. Some finishes penetrate into the hardwood more than surface finishes do and require an additional coat of wax to give the surface a sheen. The sheen that the finish provides is another differentiation, with high gloss, low gloss, and satin finishes available.

Many alternatives to hardwood flooring also exist. Laminate flooring, for example, uses high-density fiberboard and melamine laminate instead of wood. This product gives the appearance of hardwood at a fraction of the cost.

Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes

Paulla is a freelance writer and website editor who currently lives in Maine. Paulla has a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University and over 15 years of experience as a freelancer. She relishes the flexibility and consistency of working on WiseGEEK articles, as well as the opportunity to constantly learn something new.

Learn more...
Paulla Estes
Paulla Estes

Paulla is a freelance writer and website editor who currently lives in Maine. Paulla has a B.A. in English Literature from George Mason University and over 15 years of experience as a freelancer. She relishes the flexibility and consistency of working on WiseGEEK articles, as well as the opportunity to constantly learn something new.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

reader888

I just moved into a house that has hardwood floors in it. I've heard that you have to use a special hardwood floor cleaner on them? Are there different cleaners for the different types of hardwood floors, or is one kind of cleaner usually safe for all of them?

Plus, our floors are unfinished. Does this make a difference when it comes to cleaners?

claire24

My favorite thing about hardwood floors is that you don't have to worry about carpet stains! I have small children, and I'm always paranoid about them spilling things on the carpet.

I know hardwood flooring can be expensive, but if you end up with stained carpet that has to be replaced, hardwood floors might be the cheaper way to go.

At least it would be if you got the right kind of hardwood for what you will be using it for. If you get something inadequate, you might just have to replace that too. It seems like an unfinished hardwood floor would become damaged easier over time.

write79

I have always dreamed of having a house full of hardwood floors. I just love the look, especially when large planks are used. It gives a very cozy feel.

Now we have carpet through out our entire house, but I'm trying to talk my husband into installing hardwood floors one room at a time. Even if we don't get the whole house done, I'd be happy to have it in at least a few rooms.

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    • Laminate flooring gives the appearance of hardwood without the high cost.
      By: Konstantin Sutyagin
      Laminate flooring gives the appearance of hardwood without the high cost.
    • Robotic floor cleaners can be used on hardwood floors.
      By: skala
      Robotic floor cleaners can be used on hardwood floors.
    • A house with hardwood flooring.
      By: Tatty
      A house with hardwood flooring.
    • Installing hardwood floors may help add value to a home.
      By: jogyx
      Installing hardwood floors may help add value to a home.
    • Hardwood floors can be stained to give the wood a lighter or darker appearance.
      By: Wollwerth Imagery
      Hardwood floors can be stained to give the wood a lighter or darker appearance.